Quantum transport signatures of chiral edge states in Sr$_2$RuO$_4$

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum transport experiment using a double quantum dot device with Sr$_2$RuO$_4$ to detect chiral edge states, providing insights into the superconductor's pairing symmetry.

Contribution

It introduces a novel device setup to detect chiral edge states in Sr$_2$RuO$_4$ via conductance measurements, advancing understanding of its unconventional superconductivity.

Findings

Potential to identify chiral edge states through conductance signatures

Proposes a method to probe the superconducting order parameter symmetry

Enables exploration of topological features in Sr$_2$RuO$_4$

Abstract

We investigate transport properties of a double quantum dot based Cooper pair splitter, where the superconducting lead consists of Sr$_2$RuO$_4$. The proposed device can be used to explore the symmetry of the superconducting order parameter in Sr$_2$RuO$_4$ by testing the presence of gapless chiral edge states, which are predicted to exist if the bulk superconductor is described by a chiral $p$--wave state. The odd orbital symmetry of the bulk order parameter ensures that we can realize a regime where the electrons tunneling into the double dot system come from the chiral edge states and thereby leave their signature in the conductance. The proposed Cooper pair splitter has the potential to probe order parameters in unconventional superconductors.